Surprise, surprise: a video has been making the rounds today of Amy Winehouse smoking crack mere moments after she snorted cocaine and popped Valium.

Does she want to get better, or be a martyr?

Is she really even that talented to begin with?

Let’s be real: Amy Winehouse is just some kitschy broad weaned on old Motown records who got extremely lucky when she hooked up with a du-jour producer (Mark Ronson). Due to her downward spiral, she is now the front-runner in the Troubled Artist with Limited Talent sweepstakes. Listen to Leona Lewis and let Winehouse wilt – it’s nobody’s fault but her own.

Although much of the music world is in shambles – I’m looking at you gangsta rappers and label reps – the alternative rock scene is very strong.

The following bands may not be getting rich from their art (because of pirating and contracts that rape them of well deserved royalties) but they sure do put out some incredible music.

Here are the 20 songs you should download RIGHT NOW. Mind you I said “Download” because who has $10 laying around to buy an overpriced album from Wal-Mart or Apple, even if the artist really does deserve the money? Not me! (more…)

Mark Ronson’s record-release showcase last night at Highline in NYC was the best concert I’ve seen in a while. Once a DJ/producer for acts like Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen Ronson is currently one of the biggest acts in the UK and his popularity is quickly spreading in the US. The stage set up featured the standard drums, keyboard, bass and Ronson on guitar but there was also a three piece horn set, bongos and chimes which all came together very nicely to recreate his electricish spin sound in real time. The star studded crowed featured industry bigwigs like Clive Davis and prime time entertainers such as Jay-Z and Beyonce along with dozens of beautiful & die hard female Ronson fans.

Here is Ronson’s latest music video “Stop Me” featuring Daniel Merriweather.